Monday, July 26, 2010

A Trip Around the World

I am working on a mini-quilt made for my secret partner in my first ever Doll Quilt Swap:  The Down Under Doll Quilt Swap.


As a regular reader of my partner's blog I know she loves all things bright and colorful.  My partner's sewing skills are an inspiration, and it was not without trepidation that I set out making this doll quilt.



I was indecisive about the quilt design, changed plans several times, and then decided to stick with a striking "Trip Around the World" block pieced with 2 inch squares, using some of my favorite fabrics.

I really enjoy this kind of piecing; simple and repetitive but also effective and eye-catching, involving lots of fabric play.  Each one of the 289 pieces (cut as 2 inch squares)  were laid out on my design floor and then chain pieced in rows, carefully picking up the pieces of each row ensuring not to mess up the design.

Next up: quilting. 

RELEVANT LINKS:
A Trip Around the World Finished Doll Quilt
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Posted by Red Pepper Quilts - Rita Hodge
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36 comments:

  1. AnonymousJuly 26, 2010 12:27 PM

    wow! The colors and design are fabulous! What a lucky person to receive that in the swap!!

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  2. Sarah CraigJuly 26, 2010 12:27 PM

    That is really beautiful! I love your choice of fabrics and the play of light and dark..... sometimes a simple old quilt pattern is really effective done small, and with gorgeous fabrics!

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  3. JenniferJuly 26, 2010 12:28 PM

    i love this; it's very striking. i'm trying to figure out how to strip piece this, but i just don't know if it's possible! i was hoping you would have some trick up your sleeve.

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  4. Jeni BakerJuly 26, 2010 12:28 PM

    This is beautiful! We have a large trip around the world quilt that my grandmother's cousin made in the 40s. This quilt pattern will always be dear to my heart!

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  5. PioneerValleyGirlJuly 26, 2010 12:43 PM

    this is beautiful! I love the bright colors

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  6. LorraineJuly 26, 2010 12:53 PM

    this is really stunning ... lucky swapper !!

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  7. Tracey JacobsenJuly 26, 2010 12:57 PM

    it's so cute! I love those fabrics. :)

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  8. kelly lautenbachJuly 26, 2010 1:00 PM

    LOVELY! :) You're going to have a super pleased partner... It's just stunning!

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  9. AndiJuly 26, 2010 1:13 PM

    Rita, this is stunning (she said with her fingers tightly crossed)
    :-)

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  10. MissesStitchesJuly 26, 2010 1:23 PM

    WOW!!! Looks great!

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  11. MicheleJuly 26, 2010 1:26 PM

    Yay! That's really pretty. Lucky partner.

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  12. UnknownJuly 26, 2010 1:28 PM

    What a lucky partner. It is very beautiful. Your workmanship is amazing!

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  13. chris bakerJuly 26, 2010 1:40 PM

    beautiful...your partner will defiantly not be dissappointed, although she may be envied.

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  14. TaniaJuly 26, 2010 1:53 PM

    Rita, YOU CANNOT (in best John McEnroe voice) BE SERIOUS! Pah to quilty trepidation! I’d pay to be your swap partner (right before lapsing into my own terrorised quilty trepidation)...

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  15. TamaraJuly 26, 2010 2:15 PM

    Rita please...you're really making me nervous...this is magnificent! I hope mine will be good enough;) x Tam

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  16. One Flew OverJuly 26, 2010 2:30 PM

    This is magnificent!

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  17. AudrieJuly 26, 2010 2:56 PM

    Holy wow this is just stunning! ANYONE would be thrilled to receive this!

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  18. AdrianaJuly 26, 2010 5:30 PM

    Lucky partner to receive this blog.

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  19. LindaJuly 26, 2010 7:06 PM

    Another winner! What a lucky partner who will receive such a gem. Great pattern and love your colour combos.

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  20. AnonymousJuly 26, 2010 10:27 PM

    Please post how you quilted this one... I just finished a bargello/around the world quilt top myself... I'm kinda stuck on the quilting. I have an idea, but it's kinda tedious.

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  21. doloresJuly 26, 2010 10:38 PM

    Um...you....nervous....get outta here!:) That's so cool that we are both doing the DQS9...wish I was your partner!;) I mean how lucky is someone going to be getting a Red Pepper Quilt?!!:)

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  22. LeslieJuly 26, 2010 11:43 PM

    this is gorgeous

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  23. Kimberly WhispellJuly 27, 2010 12:44 AM

    Bright and Beautiful, I love it!

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  24. RebekahJuly 27, 2010 1:19 AM

    just gorgeous! What a fantastic way to showcase FMF fabric :)

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  25. Nanette MerrillJuly 27, 2010 7:02 AM

    This is so incredible. I love the fabrics so much. Trip around the world is one of my favorite quilts to make. I am in love with this.

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  26. TrishaJuly 27, 2010 9:47 AM

    Gorgeous! I got excited thinking you were doing the DQS9 but it looks like it is a different doll quilt swap for just you gals in Australia. I am sure your partner will just love this beautiful, bright quilt.

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  27. Mary on Lake PulaskiJuly 27, 2010 12:58 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  28. Mary on Lake PulaskiJuly 27, 2010 1:00 PM

    Wonderful dolly quilt Rita!
    I did the same size squares for a 20" pillow cover for a swap. I did random pattern, but this would be great for the next one! You inspire!

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  29. SusanJuly 27, 2010 1:50 PM

    Another beautiful quilt Rita! AND a very lucky recipient! Think I need to make one of those!

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  30. Quilts on BastingsJuly 27, 2010 10:02 PM

    Very cute Rita, love the colours.

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  31. randi--i have to sayJuly 27, 2010 11:20 PM

    very pretty! your partner is going to fall in love with this!

    randi

    http://ihavetosay.typepad.com/randi/

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  32. April (Polkadot Sparrow)July 28, 2010 4:24 AM

    I've always been enchanted by this pattern. I love seeing your modern fabrics in it. Stunning!

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  33. LindaJuly 29, 2010 9:33 PM

    I have just realised the quilt has rounded edges. What a great finish!

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  34. Black Eyed SusieAugust 01, 2010 10:21 PM

    Love it. You've got a lot of my favourite fabrics in there too.

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  35. UnknownAugust 03, 2010 11:48 PM

    What a perfect trip around the world! How on earth did you keep your rows lined up so perfectly? This pattern has always been one of the ones I am afraid of....all those little intersections. I love yours!

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  36. LouiseAugust 08, 2010 10:49 PM

    Wow, that is beautiful!!

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